Argentina to Impose
Natural-Gas Export Tax

BUENOS AIRES -- Argentina's government said it is imposing a 20% tax on natural-gas exports in a move that will increase tax revenue and may help ease an energy shortage in the domestic market.

Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna justified the move by saying natural gas is the only fuel that isn't subject to the export tax. Local news media cited Mr. Lavagna as saying the measure would raise $40 million extra in revenue by year's end.